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Haldon Gold Cup – Exeter
The two talking horses are Cue Card and Menorah. Former goes well fresh and has some potential to improve further. Tizzard’s star jumps well but I do have a question about temperament. Carries head high and sometimes finds little under pressure. Possibly best able to dictate and will probably lead, although Renard can race prominently too. Cue Card should be favourite, but imo shouldn’t be so short in the market.
Menorah needs to improve his jumping to progress this season. Came to grief here first time out last year and often hits at least one. Won Manifesto Chase at Aintree in a similarly small field when Al Ferof disappointed and obviously has a chance; but again the price looks too short.
Edgardo Sol also victorious at the Grand National meeting, showing vast improvement in the Red Rum Handicap; winning by 14 lengths. Only five years old so should progress further. There is a question mark about whether Edgardo Sol is as good going right-handed and there may be another target Nicholls is eyeing up. However, at the price I believe he’s worth taking as a smallish wager.
Renard is the main bet. Venittia Williams’ 7 year old isn’t as consistent as some of his rivals. Poor runs in final two races last season when making mistakes in bigger fields than he faces here. Encouraging 3rd of 7 on reappearance, running well for a long way before a bad mistake ruined his chance 4 from home. Won 3 times in November last season including over course and distance. Gets plenty of weight from the big three and could be under-estimated provided jumping holds together.
Webbery’s Dream doesn’t look up to this from 11 lbs out of the handicap.My 100% book:
Cue Card 11/8, Menorah 3/1, Edgardo Sol 4/1, Renard 7/1, Webbery’s Dream 200/1.Current best prices:
Cue Card 10/11, Menorah 100/30, Edgardo Sol 11/2, Renard 10/1, Webbery’s Dream 66/1.Value Is EverythingI can’t escape Cue Card, but cannot get involved with him at the price. Since he is notoriously easy to get fit, I think that will be a key advantage over a few of these rivals.
Quite agree TYF, Cue Card’s first time out record makes him the one to beat (and by some way too), but bookmakers have imo more than allowed for that in their odds. This is a handicap after all.
Both Edgardo Sol and Renard have shortened up since I put that post up.
Edgardo Sol now 4/1 and Renard 7/1, so neither is now "value". 
Value Is EverythingThat was very impressive. It looks like quite a vintage crop of second season novices this year.
I wouldn’t go crazy with backing Cue Card for the King George yet though. For one thing, he won’t improve between races a great deal since he is so easy to get fit. Also, Colin Tizzard made the point that although Cue Card’s dam Wicked Crack ran in the Grand National, the limit of her stamina was really 2m 4f. Stamina must still be a question mark.
If Menorah could jump, he’d be a very good horse.
Cue card looked impressive but I highly doubt he will win a big race this year.DEEMAN
Always liked Cue Card. DOnt think 3 miles will suit him, he always runs with the choke out. Tizzard shouldnt run the guts out of him on soft ground at Haydock. Keep him fresh for the Ryanair etc, Monets Garden was a 2 1/2 miler who made i fortune i think Cue Card could be the same type.
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